Iran nuclear probe reaches deadline, no word yet on outcome

VIENNA - A deadline for Iran to answer UN nuclear watchdog questions about suspected atomic bomb research was reached on Monday without any immediate word on whether Tehran had provided the information.

Western officials have long said Iran must address the U.N. agency's suspicions about its work and that this would be an important boost for parallel diplomatic efforts to end a decade-old dispute over the country's nuclear program.

Washington and its allies have accused Iran of working to produce an atomic weapons capability, raising fears of a new Middle East war. Iran has dismissed the accusations, saying its work is focused on generating electricity and other peaceful projects.

Diplomats told Reuters last week that the long-running inquiry by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) appeared to be making only slow headway, casting doubt on whether Iran would fully meet the Aug. 25 target date.

They said there was still time for Iran to respond to the questions, noting that it had occasionally waited until the last minute to make concessions in the past. Officials said Tehran might also provide the information a few days late.